1. Walnuts: Possible Defects

2. Reception
Upon receiving the goods, we recommend that you carry out an inspection of the walnuts as infestation is possible at any stage.
How much to sample?
Randomly select 2 cartons per pallet
Upturn to check the corners and bottom for webbing, shell fragments, etc.
Sample 500g from each cartons

3. Typical Walnuts Light to Amber in colour Soft yet crisp texture
Mild sweet flavour

4. Typical Walnut Colour Walnuts are classified into 4 colours
Extra light
Light
Light/Amber
Amber
Darker nuts have higher oil content

5. Discolouration
Abnormal colouration that covers more than 1/8th of the surface of the kernel and is of a colour in pronounced contrast with the colour of the rest of the kernel [dark blemishes or areas of discolouration] (UNECE)
Can be caused by a fungus (Xanthomonas campestris) that thrives in prolonged wet weather and hull injury
Discoloured Typical Typical

6. Insect Damage
Visible damage caused by insects or other animal parasites the presence of dead insects or insect debris (UNECE)
Navel Orange worm presents the biggest threat
Internal damage and can be difficult to spot early on (inspect a random sample for signs of internal damage)
Serious infestation causes webbing (check corners of containers for this)
Look for damage (ie. holes, discolouration) to the nut ‘meat’
Refer to Reception slide for advise on inspecting goods

7. Mould Damage
Mould filaments that are plainly visible to the naked eye (UNECE)
Mould damage can occur when moisture levels are too high
Can lead to growth of aflatoxins caused by Aspergillus
Control with proper storage conditions
Dry, cool, air tight containers

8. Shrivelled Kernels
Kernel which is seriously shrunken, wrinkled and tough (UNECE)
Can be caused by an infected tree (ie: anthracnose fungus)
Shrivelled kernels are more susceptible to other damages
Damage: 1/8th of kernel shrivelled, Serious Damage: 1/4th of kernel shrivelled, Very Serious Damage: more than 50% of kernel shrivelled (USDA Standards)

9. Septum
The septum develops between the two hemispheres of the walnut and connects the nut to the shell.
Very hard, like the shell
Spiky and can easily stick in ones throat
Can be very dangerous, so proper removal is important
Can make it to final product as it is of similar colour and can be missed by laser sorters, therefore, visual inspection can help catch this

10. Foreign Matter
Any matter or material not usually associated with the product [ie: Adhering Shell, Hull, Dirt, dust] (UNECE)
USDA classified foreign material as serious damage
USDA Standards:
UNECE Standards:

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